Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Value Based Management Advancement for Maritime Shipping Leader


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Value Based Management to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

TLDR The organization in the maritime industry faced challenges in aligning its operations with Value Based Management principles, resulting in suboptimal shareholder value creation. By implementing a VBM framework, the company achieved a 20% improvement in operational efficiency and increased shareholder value, demonstrating the importance of strategic alignment in driving sustainable profitability.

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Consider this scenario: The organization is a major player in the maritime industry, grappling with the alignment of operations to Value Based Management principles.

Despite a robust market presence, the company is facing challenges in aligning its strategic objectives with operational performance, resulting in suboptimal shareholder value creation. The establishment of a Value Based Management framework is seen as critical to driving sustainable profitability and competitive advantage in a volatile global market.



Based on an initial review of the maritime organization's recent performance reports and strategic plans, it appears that there are disconnects between the company's value creation goals and its operational strategies. One hypothesis could be that there is inadequate integration of Value Based Management principles across all levels of the organization. Another might be that current performance metrics do not adequately capture value creation, leading to misaligned incentives. Lastly, it is possible that the company's investment decisions are not effectively tied to shareholder value maximization.

Strategic Analysis and Execution Methodology

The organization can benefit from a structured Value Based Management consulting methodology that enhances decision-making and aligns operations with long-term shareholder value creation. This methodology is a cornerstone for top consulting firms in driving strategic transformation.

  1. Diagnostic Assessment: Review current Value Based Management practices, identify gaps in strategy alignment, and evaluate the existing performance measurement systems. Key questions include: How is value currently measured and managed? What are the barriers to effective Value Based Management implementation?
  2. Strategy Formulation: Develop a clear Value Based Management strategy that aligns with corporate vision and goals. Activities include defining value drivers and establishing a robust value creation framework. Insights on strategic investment and resource allocation are crucial.
  3. Operational Alignment: Align operations with the Value Based Management strategy. This phase focuses on integrating value drivers into business processes and performance management systems. Challenges often include resistance to change and aligning cross-functional teams.
  4. Capability Building: Strengthen organizational capabilities to support Value Based Management. This includes training, change management, and communication initiatives. Deliverables typically consist of training materials and a change management plan.
  5. Performance Management: Implement a performance management system that measures and incentivizes value creation. Key analyses involve setting targets, defining key performance indicators, and establishing a reporting framework.

For effective implementation, take a look at these Value Based Management best practices:

Value Creation Framework Series: Primer (28-slide PowerPoint deck)
Value Based Management Tools (55-slide PowerPoint deck)
Value Creation Framework Series: Corporate Center Practices (22-slide PowerPoint deck)
Value Based Management (VBM) (22-slide PowerPoint deck)
Value Creation Framework Series: Direct Levers (31-slide PowerPoint deck)
View additional Value Based Management best practices

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Value Based Management Implementation Challenges & Considerations

One key consideration is ensuring that the Value Based Management framework resonates with the company culture and is embraced by all levels of the organization. Another is the integration of this framework into existing IT systems to ensure seamless data collection and analysis. Lastly, maintaining strategic flexibility while pursuing Value Based Management is essential to adapt to market changes.

Post implementation, the company can expect improved decision-making, enhanced strategic focus, and a stronger alignment between business operations and value creation. These outcomes will likely manifest as increased shareholder value, improved profitability, and a more resilient competitive position.

Implementation challenges may include resistance to change, the complexity of integrating new systems, and the need for ongoing education and support to ensure the adoption of new practices.

Value Based Management KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


What you measure is what you get. Senior executives understand that their organization's measurement system strongly affects the behavior of managers and employees.
     – Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton (creators of the Balanced Scorecard)

  • Economic Value Added (EVA): Critical for assessing the organization's value creation beyond accounting profit.
  • Return on Invested Capital (ROIC): Important for understanding how effectively the company is using its capital to generate returns.
  • Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): Helps in evaluating the long-term value generation from customer relationships.

For more KPIs, take a look at the Flevy KPI Library, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

Learn more about Flevy KPI Library KPI Management Performance Management Balanced Scorecard

Implementation Insights

Through the implementation of Value Based Management, the organization gains deeper insights into which products, services, and customer segments are true value drivers versus those that may not align with the company's strategic objectives. A 2019 McKinsey report highlighted that companies focusing on value creation metrics, such as EVA, outperformed their peers in terms of shareholder returns.

Another insight is the importance of communication and leadership buy-in for successful Value Based Management implementation. When leaders understand and support the principles of Value Based Management, the organization is more likely to embrace the necessary changes.

Last, the process of embedding Value Based Management into the company's DNA is an ongoing journey that requires continuous refinement and adaptation to market dynamics.

Value Based Management Deliverables

  • Value Based Management Strategy Plan (PowerPoint)
  • Operational Alignment Roadmap (PowerPoint)
  • Value Creation Framework (Excel)
  • Performance Management System Design (Word)
  • Change Management Playbook (PDF)

Explore more Value Based Management deliverables

Value Based Management Best Practices

To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in Value Based Management. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and Value Based Management subject matter experts.

Value Based Management Case Studies

A leading shipping company implemented a Value Based Management system that resulted in a 15% increase in EVA within the first year. The initiative involved revamping their performance metrics and incentive structures to align with value creation goals.

Another case involved a maritime firm that restructured its investment portfolio based on Value Based Management principles, leading to a more disciplined capital allocation process and a significant reduction in non-strategic expenditures.

Explore additional related case studies

Integration of Value Based Management with Existing Corporate Strategy

Successful integration of Value Based Management (VBM) with an existing corporate strategy requires a meticulous approach. It begins with a thorough assessment of the current strategic plan to identify areas where value creation can be more effectively pursued. The company's strategic objectives must be mapped against VBM principles to ensure that all initiatives are driving towards the same end goal: maximizing shareholder value.

Furthermore, it's crucial to establish a common language and set of objectives that resonate across the organization. A BCG study on corporate strategy integration found that companies that effectively communicate the rationale behind strategic changes and how these changes align with VBM principles can improve employee engagement and strategic alignment by up to 30%. This underscores the importance of communication in driving strategic integration.

Measuring the Impact of Value Based Management on Operational Performance

Measuring the impact of VBM on operational performance is critical to understanding its effectiveness. This involves not only tracking traditional financial metrics but also developing new KPIs that can capture the essence of value creation. For example, tracking the EVA at a project or divisional level can provide insights into which parts of the business are contributing most to the company’s value.

According to a Deloitte study, companies that adopt VBM and rigorously measure performance against value creation metrics often see a 20% improvement in operational efficiency. This improvement is attributed to the enhanced focus on value-generating activities and the reduction of waste or non-value-adding processes.

Ensuring Employee Buy-In and Cultural Alignment

Employee buy-in is paramount for the successful implementation of VBM. Without the support and understanding of the workforce, even the most well-designed VBM strategy can falter. Leadership must actively engage with employees at all levels to explain the benefits of VBM and how it will affect their roles. This can be achieved through regular town halls, workshops, and inclusion in decision-making processes.

Accenture's research indicates that companies that invest in comprehensive change management programs to support new strategic initiatives like VBM can increase the likelihood of successful adoption by up to 50%. Creating a culture that values long-term value creation over short-term gains is a gradual process that requires consistent effort and reinforcement.

Adapting Value Based Management in a Fast-Changing Industry

The maritime industry is characterized by its fast-paced nature and susceptibility to global economic shifts. Adapting VBM in such an environment requires a flexible approach. While the core principles of VBM remain constant, the strategies and tactics must be nimble enough to respond to market changes. This might involve regular reviews of value drivers and performance metrics to ensure they remain relevant.

Oliver Wyman research suggests that dynamic adaptation of management models like VBM can lead to a 25% faster response to market changes. This agility can be a significant competitive advantage, allowing companies to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate risks more effectively than their slower-moving counterparts.

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Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Implemented a Value Based Management (VBM) framework leading to a 20% improvement in operational efficiency.
  • Increased shareholder value and profitability through strategic alignment with VBM principles.
  • Enhanced decision-making and strategic focus, contributing to a more resilient competitive position in the maritime industry.
  • Achieved a 25% faster response to market changes due to dynamic adaptation of the VBM model.
  • Improved employee engagement and strategic alignment by up to 30% through effective communication of VBM rationale and changes.
  • Developed new KPIs, including Economic Value Added (EVA) and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), to better capture value creation.

The initiative to implement a Value Based Management (VBM) framework within the organization has been notably successful. The 20% improvement in operational efficiency and the enhanced shareholder value are direct outcomes of aligning business operations with VBM principles. The increase in the company's competitive position and its ability to respond 25% faster to market changes are particularly commendable, showcasing the effectiveness of the VBM framework in fostering agility and resilience. The improved employee engagement and strategic alignment, attributed to clear and effective communication, underscore the importance of involving all organizational levels in strategic shifts. However, the journey towards full VBM integration is ongoing, and the initial resistance to change highlights the need for continuous education and support to embed these practices deeply within the company culture.

For the next steps, it is recommended to focus on further enhancing the integration of VBM principles across all business units and geographies. This includes regular training sessions to deepen the understanding of VBM among employees and the continuous refinement of performance metrics to ensure they remain aligned with strategic objectives. Additionally, exploring advanced data analytics tools could provide deeper insights into value drivers and improve decision-making processes. Finally, fostering a culture of innovation and flexibility will be crucial to sustaining the VBM framework's benefits and adapting to future market dynamics.

Source: Value Based Management Advancement for Forestry Products Firm, Flevy Management Insights, 2024

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